Walther Model 4
Blowback handgun
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Walther Model 4 is a .32 APC blowback fixed barrel handgun utilized primarily by the Imperial German Army during WWI,[1][2] and additional utilizations and production during interbellum.[2] It was produced in four upgrade variations known as the Type 1, 2, 3 and 4, based primarily from the German patent 256606 covering the assembly and disassembly under specific conditions.[1]
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| Walther Model 4 | |
|---|---|
Display of the Walther Model 4 | |
| Type | Blowback handgun |
| Place of origin |  German Empire |
| Service history | |
| Used by | |
| Wars | World War I |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 6 inch / 153mm |
| Height | 3.91 inch / 99.4mm |
Initial Model 4 variations included frontier recoil spring mechanisms, safety level mechanisms, and groove sights through the Type 1 (or Model 3/4 as of its correlation with the Model 3), before later omissions established the Type 2.[1]
The Model 4 was equipped with an internal hammer and additional bayonet-lock retained recoil spring encasing the barrel assembly, with size specifications of 5.94" length.[2] It was popularized for both primarily German military and civilian utilizations, however was equipped with a particularly impractical safety mechanism and one-handed utilizations.[2]
Background
Predecessor prototypes and firearms
Initial predecessor firearms to the Model 4 included prototypes of a .32 and .25 caliber handguns, to which the .25 caliber prototype would presumably contribute to the first .25 caliber Walther handgun, which would later be provided with the name of the Walter Model 1, a more miniscule and lighter variation of the 1906 FN Browning handgun.[1]
Initial handgun design
The initial handgun design of the Walter Model 4 would become the Type 1 (or Model 3/4), with retained mechanisms from the Model 3.[1] The characteristics of the initial model would include a groove sight and a safety mechanism.[1] Additionally, the Model 4 was highly simplistic, which aided the Imperial German Army in weapons training.[2]
Interbellum production
During interbellum, Model 4s would continue production, ceased in 1929 following the introduction of the Walther PP.[2] During production, the Model 4 would undergo modifications made with type variations.[2]
Type 1
The Walther Model 4, Type 1 (or Model 3/4), included a retained release frontier recoil spring bushing from the Model 3, and included the following design characteristics:[1]
Type 1 characteristics
Type 2 (Late commercial and early conflict)
The Walther Model 4, Type 2 included an omitted frontier bushing, and newer frontier bushing bayonet-styled mount, and included the following design characteristics:[1]